Not just Morgans, but many big shots in the underworld were also paying close attention to the situation in Dressrosa.
Compared to the wanton actions of pirates, these shadowy figures controlled most of the major business channels on the sea, and Doflamingo was naturally one of them.
When Cyrus destroyed the munitions factories controlled by the Warlord in the North Blue, the underworld had already started paying close attention to the Hunter Guild's President, but at that time, no one could have imagined he would go this far.
Now, Morgans's report let people know that Cyrus's next target was very likely Dressrosa.
This was no longer just a matter between Cyrus and Doflamingo, these people were also watching for the World Government's reaction.
"What a powerful man." Stussy, wearing a small white lace hat, parted her red lips, her voice melodious.
"Stussy, have you set your sights on this man? pity, he might not necessarily have his sights on you." The one who spoke was the Underworld's Loan Shark King, Lu Feld.
"Hmph, we didn't gather here to argue. Stussy, put away your little schemes. Even if you really did get into that man's bed, you can't swallow all of Doflamingo's leftover businesses by yourself."
This time, the speaker was the man known as the Shipping King, Umit, who controlled many of the sea's transport channels and businesses.
Besides these three, there were two others present: Giberson, who controlled the warehouse storage business, and Peclo, who ran the assassination business.
"Speaking of which, that Cyrus guy has an active commission with you, doesn't he?" Stussy paid no mind to Umit's words, turning to look at Peclo instead.
The murderous aura radiating from the man in the strange mask was practically overflowing.
"Heh, some things can be done, and some things can't. There is a commission, and the bounty is even higher than the one from the World Government and the Marines—50 billion Belly. But would you dare?" Peclo asked with a dark chuckle.
Everyone's heart skipped a beat.
Even for these figures who controlled various lucrative business channels on the seas, 50 billion Belly was a staggering sum.
"9.9 billion is just the limit for a public bounty, not the limit for Cyrus," Stussy said, covering her mouth with a delicate smile.
"Alright, enough nonsense. Doflamingo probably can't escape this time. We didn't get much out of it last time when Germa took over a large part of the North Blue business," Umit said with some impatience.
"Let's just discuss how to divide Doflamingo's businesses once he falls."
As soon as he said this, the others fell silent.
"The man is still alive, you know!" Stussy blinked, then suddenly stood up. "Besides, I won't be getting involved in this hostile takeover. How much you can gain will depend on your own abilities."
After saying this, Stussy left directly, leaving the four men looking at each other.
"What trick is this woman playing?" Umit frowned after a moment of silence. "If she didn't want to get involved, why did she come to this meeting?"
"Perhaps what she said just now wasn't a joke. If she can get involved with Cyrus, the rewards would be greater," Peclo noted in a low voice.
"She might just get herself cut down in one slash," Giberson said with clear ill intent.
"This woman isn't stupid. She wouldn't put herself in a dangerous situation. But you're not wrong, there was probably some truth in what she said just now. However, that has nothing to do with us this time. I won't give up what's already in my mouth," Lu Feld declared.
Afterward, the dim room descended into heated arguments, with everyone fighting for a larger share of the businesses that would be left vacant after Doflamingo was gone.
...
The departed Stussy walked away carrying her small bag, and once she was clear of the meeting, she took out a Den Den Mushi from within.
This was clearly a specially made snail, its shell looking exactly like an apple.
"It won't be easy to get close to him," Stussy said, looking at the small snail in her hand.
"I know. I'm just asking you to keep an eye out. This might create an opportunity, and your attitude just now makes this move seem completely natural," a voice came from the Den Den Mushi.
The person on the other end had clearly overheard the entire conversation between Stussy and the other Underworld controllers.
"But what is your objective? If something happens to me, I hope it's for something of value," Stussy said in a low voice, her expression unchanging.
"Rest assured, Cyrus is not a difficult person to get along with. Of course, that's on the premise that you don't become his enemy."
"Are you serious?" Stussy was taken aback, her tone finally changing as the speechlessness in her voice became obvious.
Cyrus was not a difficult person to get along with?
When saying that, shouldn't one ask the destroyed sections of the Sabaody Archipelago, the vanished half of Mary Geoise, and the Red Line that had been cleaved into a giant canyon?
"Being powerful doesn't mean being hard to approach."
Seemingly sensing Stussy's speechlessness, the person on the other end of the line explained.
"Based on current intelligence, he can indeed be considered a person with a good personality, or rather, a good person in the conventional sense. He has his own style of doing things. I'm also a bit puzzled by the incident at the Sabaody Archipelago, perhaps it was because of the Celestial Dragons. You know, when Celestial Dragons are involved, things always turn ugly."
'A good person in the conventional sense?' Stussy truly hadn't expected the person on the other end of the Den Den Mushi to give such an evaluation of Cyrus.
"Then what do you want me to do?" Stussy asked.
"Invest! It's an investment!" the voice replied immediately. "Invest in the name of the Hunter Guild, and then establish a certain connection with him. For someone with your identity, this is completely reasonable, and the World Government won't refuse this. The WG are definitely very wary of Cyrus right now, so if you do this, they will simply see it as a channel to get reliable information on him. Of course, they might also ask you to assassinate him. You can agree to that, but absolutely don't do it."
"I understand, Vegapunk!" Stussy took a deep breath and nodded.
"However, for now, don't investigate the matter in Dressrosa. The World Government, or rather, the Celestial Dragons, have already intervened. Perhaps this is an attempt on their part."
'An attempt to see if there's a real chance to eliminate Cyrus.' Stussy's heart jolted in shock.
"Do they have a chance?"
"Non. Once that kind of power is mastered by someone, it's no longer something that can be dealt with by just any plan. The World Government surely knows this, but they must also try. Perhaps their previous losses weren't great enough," Vegapunk's voice seemed to contain a distinct hint of schadenfreude.